The 38th annual Bowling Green State University New Music and
Art Festival will showcase the work of more than 30 guest composers and p
erformers and includes concerts\, composer talks and an art exhibition and
lecture. Featured guests include composers Steven Mackey and Sarah Kirkla
nd Snider\, Chicago-based ensemble Latitude 49\, and vocalist Shara Nova.

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The 8 p.m. Oct. 21 concert is $7\, all other events are free.

\n

For a complete schedule of events\, visit festival.bgsu.edu or contac
t the MidAmerican Center for Contemporary Music at 419-372-2685.

Independent multi-instrumentalist Eliot Lewis will return to
the Jones Mansion for a special benefit concert to restore its upper porc
h.

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The show starts at 7 p.m. Saturday\, Aug. 12\, with doors openi
ng at 6 p.m.

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A former member of Average White Band\, Lewis consist
ently performs and releases his own brand of guitar-oriented rock and soul
as a solo artist\, performing at the Hollywood Bowl and Japan’s Budokan A
rena\, and he has appeared on television programs like “The Voice\,” “The
Today Show\,” “The View\,” and Conan O’Brien’s and Jimmy Kimmel’s late-nig
ht programs.

\n

He is also a frequent collaborator with Rock and Roll
Hall of Fame inductees Daryl Hall and John Oates in their live performanc
es\, and makes regular appearances on Hall’s “Live From Daryl’s House” onl
ine series.

Gospel singing and dinner will be held Sept. 9 at Findlay’s
South Side Restaurant\, 3050 S. Main St. Dinner is at 5 p.m.\, followed fr
om 6-8 by singing. Performers include Latter Rain\, Jake Reel and Chris Ba
ldwin. Call Mark Glick at 419-934-5456 for more information.

Music of all kinds will fill the air Saturday as The Quarry
Farm Nature Preserve & Conservation Farm\, Pandora\, hosts its annual jam
from 6-9 p.m.

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People of all ages are invited to this free family-f
riendly event. Bring a lawn chair and spend a sweet late summer evening wi
th music under the outdoor pavilion’s big red roof\, alongside the calls f
rom the nature preserve.

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The farm is located just north of 14321 R
oad 7L. Visit www.thequarryfarm.org or call 419-384-7195 for more informat
ion.

The Full Sound Chamber Group will return to Findlay to perfo
rm “Ragtime and Classical Masterworks: timeless music of the ages.”

\n<
p>The show will be held at 4 p.m. Sunday\, Sept. 17\, at Trinity Episcopal
Church\, 128 W. Hardin St. Admission is free\, with a freewill offering a
ccepted.\n

The show features American ragtime and classical selectio
ns\, with Mikhail Glinka’s “Grand Sextet in E-Flat” as the featured compos
ition.

\n

The group of five brothers has been performing for six year
s\, and consists of: Shalem Loritsch\, violin\; Chesed Loritsch\, violin\;
Chayah Loritsch\, viola and piano\; Racham Loritsch\, cello\; Tsidqah Lor
itsch\, double-bass and piano.

\n

All of the Loritsch brothers perfor
m in the Ohio Northern University Symphony Orchestra\, and in the Central
Ohio Symphony Orchestra in Delaware as needed.

Musical theater performer Faith Prince\, winner of both the
Tony and Drama Desk awards for Best Actress in a Musical for her portrayal
of Miss Adelaide in the 1992 Broadway revival of “Guys and Dolls\,” will
perform on Sunday\, Sept. 17 as part of the University of Findlay’s Donnel
l Broadway Concert Series.

\n

She will be accompanied by Phil Reno\,
a Grammy-nominated Broadway conductor and musical director who is currentl
y the musical director and vocal arranger for the Tony-nominated smash hit
\, “Something Rotten!”

\n

The 7:30 p.m. performance will be held at W
inebrenner Theological Seminary’s TLB Auditorium. Tickets are $28 for adul
ts\, $23 for senior citizens and $11 for non-UF students. They can be purc
hased at the Marathon Center for the Performing Arts’ box office at 200 W.
Main Cross St.\, or online at www.marathoncenterarts.org. They can also be purchased at the door on
the night of the concert. Admission will be free for UF students\, facult
y and staff with a valid university ID.

\n

Prince\, a University of C
incinnati College-Conservatory of Music graduate\, has also been nominated
for Tony and Drama Desk awards for her rendition of Ella Peterson in the
2001 revival of “Bells are Ringing.”

\n

In film\, she has appeared in
“The Last Dragon\,” “Dave\,” “Picture Perfect\,” “It Had to Be You\,” and
“Material Girls.” On television\, she had featured regular roles in “High
Society\,” “Now and Again\,” “Spin City\,” “Sabrina\, the Teenage Witch\,
” “Huff\,” “Drop Dead Diva\,” “Melissa & Joey\,” and “Modern Family.” Her
guest appearances have been seen in “Remington Steele\,” “Frasier\,” “Hous
e\,” “Monk\,” “Grey’s Anatomy\,” “Mad Men\,” and more.

\n

Prince work
s often with the Boston Pops\, Utah Symphony\, Cincinnati Pops\, and Phill
y Pops.

\n

Prince enjoys offering personalized coaching and guidance
for aspiring and working actors who are seeking to expand their skill sets
. She will be teaching a master class for University of Findlay theater st
udents.

Reno is originally from Tiffin. Prior to “Something Rotten!” his work incl
uded “The Producers” (2001-2007)\, the Broadway revival of “Promises\, Pro
mises” (2010)\, “The Drowsy Chaperone\,” “Thou Shalt Not\,” “Cats” and “Da
me Edna: The Royal Tour.” He has also contributed orchestrations for the t
elevision show\, “Broadway Under the Stars” (CBS\, 2002-2006) and the film
adaptation of “The Producers” (2005).

Carsie Blanton will kick off the 2017-2018 Live @ Armes Seri
es at the Marathon Center for the Performing Arts’ Roy and Marcia Armes Ha
ll on Wednesday\, Sept. 20\, at 7:30 p.m.

\n

Blanton grew up in Virgi
nia\, left home at the age of 16\, and is based in New Orleans. She has to
ured the United States\, Europe and Australia with several of her musical
heroes\, including Paul Simon\, The Wood Brothers\, Loudon Wainwright III\
, John Oates\, Shawn Colvin\, The Weepies and Anais Mitchell. She also enj
oys Ray Charles\, Joni Mitchell\, The Beatles\, Erykah Badu\, Nick Lowe\,
Tom Waits\, Dolly Parton and Billie Holiday.

\n

She writes on her web
site that she loves songs\, but not genre categorization. Her eclectic lis
t of influences is reflected in her discography\, which spans several styl
es of music.

In addition to her five full-length albums and two EPs\, B
lanton has gained popularity for her blog (which tackles questions of love
and sexuality) and music videos (notably for Hot Night and Baby Can Dance
).

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The Live @ Armes Series is meant to create an intimate\, jazz c
lub atmosphere\, featuring general admission theater-style seating on the
main floor or general admission bistro-style tabletop seating\, with four
seats per table. The main floor tickets cost $25\, the tabletop seats are
$35 and they can be ordered by calling the Marathon Center’s box office at
419-423-2787\, and visiting the box office in person at 200 W. Main Cross
St. from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays.

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Customers can also visit
http://marathoncenterarts.org/event/carsie-blanton/ and click on the “Buy
Tickets” button underneath the Carsie Blanton photograph.

\n

For more
information\, call the box office\, visit the Marathon Center website or
go to www.carsieblanton.com.

Decades Rewind plans to take the audience back to the 1960s\
, ’70s and ’80s when it brings its national touring concert\, dance party
and theatrical performance to the Marathon Center for the Performing Arts
on Thursday\, Sept. 21\, at 7:30 p.m.

\n

The show’s setlist features
medleys of disco\, rock\, funk and Motown hits\, including favorites from
Led Zeppelin\, Aretha Franklin\, Van Halen\, Katrina and the Waves\, Queen
\, Earth\, Wind and Fire\, Parliament\, Marvin Gaye\, Janis Joplin\, and m
ore. The production will feature non-stop historical videos corresponding
to each decade\, in addition to more than 100 costume changes.

\n

Tou
r manager Sandy Gatti told The New Jersey Stage the show was conceived whe
n her husband\, keyboardist Peter Gatti\, and his friend\, drummer Mark Bl
inkhorn\, would play ’60s\, ’70s and ’80s tunes in Florida\, while sometim
es adding props and costumes to their performances.

\n

“Decades Rewin
d is the same thing “– except on steroids!” she said. “It features 120 tu
nes “–“ not to mention over 100 costumes” — “and the songs are done in
reverse order” — ‘”80s\, ’70s\, and then ’60s “–“ which is great beca
use even though we have very diverse audiences\, everyone stays for the ’6
0s!”

Tickets range from
$42 to $47 and they can be ordered by calling the Marathon Center’s box of
fice at 419-423-2787\, visiting the box office in person at 200 W. Main Cr
oss St. from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays\, or an hour before the perform
ance.

\n

Customers can also visit http://marathoncenterarts.org/event
/decades-rewind/ and click on the “Buy Tickets” button underneath the “Dec
ades Rewind!” logo.

\n

For more information\, call the box office\, v
isit the Marathon Center website or go to www.decadesrewind.com.

Mik
e Guldin and Rollin’ & Tumblin’ will headline the festival. The Reece Linc
oln Band\; Phillips & Mercer\; and Bud Mowery & the All Star Blues Band ar
e also on the bill.

\n

Presale tickets are $20 and can be obtained by
calling First Step at 419-435-7300. Tickets cost $25 at the door.

\n

All proceeds go to help the resource center provide shelter for victims o
f domestic violence and their children\, along with a 24-hour support line
\, advocacy and outreach with support programs for men\, women and childre
n.

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The festival will offer a variety of food\, including Main Stre
et Deli’s seafood jambalaya\, red beans and rice\; and Hawg Sauce Catering
owner Jason Carter will donate ribs\, chicken and pulled pork barbecue. G
uitars\, including a handmade cigar box guitar donated by Roger Jones\, an
d gift baskets will be raffled. Raffle tickets are available at First Step
\, located at 1099 Columbus Ave.\, Fostoria\, or the day of the show.

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A Philadelphia-area blues band with a tight sound and high-energy pre
sence\, Mike Guldin and Rollin’ & Tumblin’ promise to deliver some “butt s
hakin’” music. The two-time International Blues Challenge finalist band’s
roadhouse rhythms are influenced by blues legends like Howlin’ Wolf\, Mudd
y Waters\, and B.B. King as well as more contemporary artists such as the
Allman Brothers\, Eric Clapton\, Stevie Ray Vaughan and the Rolling Stones
.

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Guldin began honing his stinging guitar and soulful vocal style
at the age of 16\, and his band features C.J. Clark on bass\, Tim Hopper o
n keyboards\, Alan Howe on guitar\, and Matt McNally on drums.

\n

A 2
007 Western Ohio “King of the Blues” Gibson/Guitar Center winner\, The Ree
ce Lincoln Band was one of 27 bands chosen nationwide to compete in the “L
iving Room … LIVE! Battle of the Bands” on CBS’ “The Early Show.”

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Lincoln describes his original music as “high octane gospel fuel for the s
oul\,” and his band will pay homage to Stevie Ray Vaughan and Double Troub
le by playing several of their hits.

\n

The trio features Lincoln on
guitar and vocals\, Brad Willison on bass and Keith Cozart on drums.

\n

A decades-long staple of Findlay’s music scene\, Phillips & Mercer will
perform country blues that draw on Mississippi John Hurt and Reverend Gar
y Davis.

\n

Dave Phillips has played in several bands\, studied class
ical guitar and music composition with some of the greats\, and teaches tr
aditional fingerstyle blues\, classical guitar\, voice\, and bass guitar.<
/p>\n

A seasoned musician\, Otto Mercer’s band memberships include Thick
& Thin\, Slick Black Cadillac\, and the Rock Crushers. He currently perfo
rms with the Midnight Riders.

\n

Bud Mowery and the All Star Blues Ba
nd was formed specifically for Soul Shine\, with members carrying decades
of experience from local bands. The band’s music features everything from
B.B. King and Muddy Waters to more contemporary artists like Rory Gallaghe
r and Joe Bonamassa.

\n

The band features Bud Mowery on guitar\; Glen
n Roddy on vocals\; John Whitlow on keyboards\; Steve Wilson on harmonica\
; Dave McNary on bass\; and Gary Burns on drums.

\n

For more informat
ion\, go to: http://soulshineblues.com/ or check out First Step’s Facebook
page.

One of the Toledo Symphony’s most popular small ensembles wi
ll present a concert at 3 p.m. Sept. 24 in the sanctuary at First Presbyte
rian Church\, 2330 S. Main St.\, as part of the church’s 2017 artist serie
s. The ensemble credits its popularity to its wide range of repertoire\, b
old sound\, and its fun and interesting presentations. Handel\, Sousa\, ra
gtime and Dixieland are just a sample of what you might hear. The concert
is free and open to the public. A freewill offering will be received. Cont
act Brent Neuenschwander at 419-423-2112\, ext. 24\, for more details.

Northwest Ohio’s Vitak-Elsnic Tribute Band will perform from
4-8 p.m. Sunday at Deshler’s Bavarian Haus as a memorial to its first tru
mpet player and co-founder Kent Harris\, who died suddenly in August.

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The previously scheduled performance will now be a fundraiser for Bow
ling Green State University’s Polka Preservation Fund\, with 100 percent o
f proceeds from CDs sold at the concert going to the organization. Additio
nally\, an anonymous donor will match the amount raised.

\n

The band
plays “old time” polkas\, waltzes and two-steps. For more information\, co
ntact band member Todd Harris at sdharris01@aol.com.

The Parker Presents jazz group will perform at 8 p.m. Thursd
ay in Presser Hall’s Snyder Recital Hall at Ohio Northern University\, 525
S. Main St.\, Ada. The performance is free and open to the public.

Shane & Emily\, a pop/acoustic/folk duo from Florida who got
their start three years ago in the Tampa Bay area\, will perform for the
University of Findlay’s first Music Bach’s Concert of the season on Friday
\, Sept. 29\, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in the Alumni Memorial Union.
p>\n

The free concert will be open to the public. Attendees are welcome
to bring their own lunch\, or purchase food at one of the university’s mul
tiple dining locations.

\n

Shane & Emily describe their style as ecle
ctically powerful in that it can be positive and energetic\, but also dive
into darker emotions that inspire them. They incorporate different elemen
ts of diverse genres into their original music and enjoy interacting with
their audiences and followers.

\n

The duo has opened for artists such
as Echosmith\, Robin Zander (from Cheap Trick)\, Jonny Craig\, Caroline K
ole and others.

Internationally known recording artist Amanda Vernon will pe
rform at 7 p.m. Monday at St. Michael the Archangel Roman Catholic Church\
, 750 Bright Road. The free concert is open to the public and will include
Vernon’s original music\, along with sharing of the faith-filled stories
behind the songs. Visit amandavernon.com for more information about the pe
rformer.

The Bluffton University Concert Band will perform a show dur
ing its homecoming weekend. The band will play “Symphonic Suite” by Clifto
n Williams\; Samuel Hazo’s “Southern Hymn”\; “A Golden Celebration” by Bra
nt Karrick\; “Brighton Beach\,” a concert march by William Latham\; “Skyli
ne” by Frank Gulino\; and “Old Churches” by Michael Colgrass. Roy Couch\,
assistant professor of music\, will conduct.

The Toledo Symphony Orchestra will perform at St. Michael th
e Archangel Roman Catholic Church\, 750 Bright Road\, at 8 p.m. Thursday a
s part of its annual youth ministry fundraiser\, IMPACT. The symphony prog
ram is meant to commemorate the 500th anniversary of the Protestant Reform
ation. The concert will include movements from Mendelssohn’s Symphony No.
5 “Reformation.” Tickets are $25 for adults and $15 for students and can b
e purchased at the church via cash and check only. A fundraising dinner ca
tered by various area restaurants will precede the performance\, beginning
at 6:30. Tickets are $100 each and include admission to the symphony conc
ert. Visit www.findlaystmichael.org or call 419-422-4246 for more informat
ion.

Barbara Lister-Sink will present a concert in the sanctuary
of First Presbyterian Church as part of its 2017 Artist Series. A renowned
pianist and artist-in-residence at Salem College in Winston-Salem\, North
Carolina\, she will play pieces from the solo piano genre\, including man
y favorites from Beethoven\, Mozart and Liszt. Known for her tone and musi
cianship\, reviews describe her as “extraordinary” and “masterful.” A free
-will offering will be received.

Bluffton University will host a fall choral concert featurin
g the University Chorale and Camerata Singers at 2:30 p.m. Sunday in Yoder
Recital Hall.

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Natalie Mallis\, visiting assistant professor of mu
sic\, will conduct the concert in collaboration with university accompanis
ts Ana Yoder Coulter and Benjamin Crook. The music of Palestrina\, Handel\
, Debussy and Durufle will be featured.

\n

This event is free. An off
ering will be taken for music scholarships.

Marwan Maurice\, a distinctive multi-instrumentalist and 200
5 University of Findlay graduate whose work mixes elements of folk\, blues
\, R&B and rock\, will be performing on Friday\, Oct. 27 in the Alumni Mem
orial Union from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. as part of his Black Smoke Tour. The
event will be part of UF’s free Music Bach’s Concert Series\, which is op
en to the public.

\n

Maurice is a songwriter who has made a name for
himself in the Columbus indie music scene.

\n

Professionally\, he pri
des himself on authenticity. “From my experience\, I’ve learned to stay tr
ue to myself and stick to who I am in my music. There’s always a certain d
emographic available for a specific art\,” he once tweeted.

\n

He des
cribes his music as laid back\, soulful and organic.

\n

His latest EP
\, titled “Black Smoke\,” hearkens to meaningful sounds from artists such
as The Roots and John Lee Hooker. It is available on iTunes.

\n

The s
inger traces his musical roots to his time in Europe\, when he lived alone
\, played basketball for a living\, and utilized poetry as an expressive a
rt and as an escape.

\n

For more information about Maurice and to hea
r some of his songs\, he can be found on Instagram\, Facebook and Twitter
at @MarwanMaurice.

\n

The Music Bach’s Concert Series is sponsored an
d hosted by Student Activities Board\, “your source for diverse edutainmen
t.” For additional information\, call 419-434-4606.

A benefit concert and live auction for Derek “Troll” Leonard
will be held from 6:30-10 p.m. Oct. 28 at Dave’s Hideaway\, 1730 Lima Ave
.

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In 2012\, Leonard\, of Findlay\, was diagnosed with Alpha-1 Anti
trpysin Deficiency\, a rare condition that affects the liver and lungs. He
is currently awaiting a new liver and hopes to have the transplant in the
next few months.

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The event will feature music by the Rock ‘N’ Rol
l Outlaws\, an auction and 50/50 raffle at 8 p.m.

The 30th annual Findlay First Edition Fall Fest Show Choir F
estival is scheduled for 7 p.m. Saturday\, Oct. 28\, in the R.L. Heminger
Auditorium at Findlay High School.

\n

General admission tickets are $
10\, seniors and students are $5 and are available in advance at Findlay H
igh School on Oct. 24\, 25 and 26 from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. or may be purchase
d the evening of the show. Doors will open at 6:30 p.m.\, and refreshments
will be available during the evening.

\n

The festival provides an op
portunity for area show choirs to showcase their talents in a noncompetiti
ve environment. Show choirs from the following high schools are scheduled
to perform: Out of the Blue from Ottawa-Glandorf\; Varsity Singers from Ad
a High School\; Top Twenty from Kenton High School\; Soundsation from Rive
rdale High School\; and the host show choir\, Findlay First Edition.

\n

Now in its 34th season\, Findlay First Edition has claimed 93 grand cha
mpionships and 61 national awards\, including a two-time Showstoppers Gran
d Champion\, FAME Show Choir Cup\, and the 2016 FAME Chicago Grand Champio
n. This year\, FFE will travel to Ada Music Feast\; Marion Harding Singsat
ional\; Medina Midwest Showcase\; Voices in the Grove\; Solon Invitational
\; and Show Choir Nationals in Nashville\, Tennessee.

\n

Accompanying
the group is the instrumental ensemble known as The Boingers\, who supply
an energizing background to the 52-member show choir\, and they have won
68 caption awards for best instrumental combo. An eight-member crew also w
ill accompany the group.

\n

The members of First Edition are involved
in many other activities at Findlay High School\, maintaining a group gra
de point average of 3.5.

\n

FFE’s fall show includes the following se
lections: “Back to Then\,” “I Hear a Song\,” “Blow\, Gabriel\, Blow\,” “Lo
st with Time\,” and “Raise the Roof.”

\n

The group is under the direc
tion of Kevin Manley and assistant director Alycia Althaus. Andy Haines pr
ovides choreography.

\n

The Varsity Singers is an auditioned show cho
ir comprising 34 singers/dancers\, five crew members\, and an 11-member ba
nd called Rebecca and the Boys. Under the direction of Scott Henning and J
onathan Lischak\, the Varsity Singers will present their competition show
entitled “Fire with Fire\,” a medley of songs conveying the inner fire bur
ning inside people to empower themselves and make a change in the world ar
ound them.

\n

The Kenton Top Twenty comprises 27 singers/dancers\, a
rocking 18-piece combo called the “A-Company” that sets the tone for their
performances\, and a 14-member crew to run everything on and off the stag
e. The group is entering its 50th year of being a show choir by going “Bac
k to the Basics\,” with all of its songs relating back to singing\, dancin
g\, and music.

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Soundsation is a group of 23 singers/dancers\, eigh
t combo members\, and five crew members from Riverdale High School in Moun
t Blanchard. The group will take R.L. Heminger Auditorium back to the 1980
s with its rock-oriented song selection.

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The Ottawa-Glandorf Show
Choir\, Out of the Blue\, is a noncompetitive performance ensemble that pr
ovides entertainment for various community functions throughout the Putnam
County area. Its 41 members are selected through an audition process each
spring\, and these students are also members of one of the other concert
choirs in the school’s choral program.

\n

For more information about
the Fall Show Choir Festival\, contact the Findlay High School choir offic
e at 419-425-8282.

Arr\, mateys! This season’s University of Findlay Marching O
iler Brass Sounds of the Stadium Concert\, featuring recent stadium tunes
it has performed on the field\, will include music from “Pirates of the Ca
ribbean” and more.

\n

The concert\, directed by Rick Napierala\, will
be held Sunday\, Oct. 29 at 3 p.m. in Winebrenner Theological Seminary’s
TLB Auditorium. Free tickets will be required and can be obtained at Marat
hon Center for the Performing Arts\, 200 W. Main Cross St.\, or at the doo
r.

\n

The concert will feature music from halftime shows\, including
jazz tunes “Land of Make Believe\,” “God Bless the Child\,” and “Big Noise
from Winnetka”\; “Pirates of the Caribbean” melodies\; and “boy band” arr
angements\, including “I Want You Back\,” “Steal My Girl” and “Bye Bye Bye
.”

Riley Creek United Methodist Church invites the community to
share in an evening of hymns and songs at 4 p.m. Oct. 29. Music from many
eras will weave together a tapestry of faith and the message of redemptio
n. Attendants are encouraged to bring their voices in whatever condition t
hey are to raise a joyful noise together with a great chorus of others and
sing the hymns that are the soundtrack of their heritage and inspiration.
The church is located southeast of Ottawa and northwest of Pandora at 710
2 Road M in Putnam County.

TGMA Gospel Music Promotions will present Gospel singing and
dinner Nov. 4 at the Southside Family Restaurant\, 3050 S. Main St. Dinne
r starts at 5 p.m. with singing featuring the Salvation Singers\, Peggy Ha
milton and One Voice from 6-8 p.m. For information\, call Mark Glick at 41
9-934-5456.

The Lima Symphony Orchestra will perform with guest piano so
loist Yaoyue Huang. Maestro Crafton Beck will lead the orchestra in a perf
ormance featuring Beethoven’s Symphony No. 7 and Brahms’ “Variations on a
Theme by Haydn.” Huang is working on her doctorate at Cincinnati Conservat
ory of Music and was awarded first prize in the Lima Symphony Young Artist
Competition in April. She will perform Mozart’s Piano Concerto No. 23.

Bluffton University will present “Music of the Martyrs: A Ch
oral Tapestry” at 6:30 p.m. Nov. 5 in Yoder Recital Hall. Directed by Mark
Suderman\, the free event will feature organist Shirley Sprunger King fro
m Bluffton’s class of 1967 performing “Singing at the Fire\,” a three-move
ment composition by Brent Weaver featuring stories from the “Martyrs Mirro
r.” The concert presents choral arrangements of hymns that reflect the Chr
istian commitment to faithful and costly witness\, including but not limit
ed to Anabaptist martyr songs.

The Sojourner Quartet will perform a Veterans Day concert\,
“God and Country\,” with the help of Susan Kayser on the piano. The quarte
t is a southern gospel group that sings with professional musician tracks
recorded at Chapel Valley Studios in Sharps Chapel\, Tennessee.

\n

Me
mbers are Isaac Steinhour (tenor and Findlay High School graduate)\, Mark
May (Findlay native\, baritone and member since 1992)\, Larry Counterman (
bass and Indiana resident)\, and Jeff McGlade (lead and Findlay resident s
ince 1984). The concert will include patriotic favorites like “America The
Beautiful” and “God Bless America” along with a tribute to the armed forc
es. Veterans will be admitted free and their seats can be reserved.

Brent Neuenschwander\, First Presbyterian C
hurch director of music\, will present a concert of organ music in the chu
rch sanctuary as part of its 2017 Artist Series. The concert will feature
music from composers such as Johann Sebastian Bach and Charles-Marie Widor
. In addition\, Neuenschwander will perform a special variation set on the
national anthem. A free-will offering will be received.

Bluffton University faculty members Andrew Liebermann and St
ephanie Titus will introduce 20th and 21st century compositions for piano
and saxophone that push the instruments’ boundaries. Most of the works pre
sented are by living composers and some are rarely played due to their ext
reme difficulty.

The Findlay High School Symphony Orchestra will pay a musica
l tribute to some of the iconic heroes and villains who have shaped popula
r culture at its annual pops concert Thursday\, Nov. 16\, at 7:30 p.m. in
Findlay High School’s R.L. Heminger Auditorium.

\n

General admission
tickets are $5\, and the money collected supports the orchestra program. T
ickets may be purchased at the door.

Originating as a small church band that played three Trans-S
iberian Orchestra songs as part of a Christmas service in 2005\, Siberian
Solstice realized the power and inspiration possible with TSO music and be
gan putting together a complete show of TSO songs. The show includes the n
arrated story\, “The Angel’s Gift\,” and features a light show along with
a video presentation. Admission: Free\, with freewill offering taken.

In celebration of the 500th anniversary of the Protestant Re
formation along with the Christmas holiday\, the University of Findlay Con
cert-Chorale and University Singers will present a concert featuring selec
tions by Bach and Handel.

\n

The performance\, which will be free and
open to the public\, is scheduled for Sunday\, Nov. 19\, at 3 p.m. at the
Marathon Center for the Performing Arts. No tickets will be required. It
will be conducted by SeaHwa Jung\, assistant professor of music.

Bach’s piece\
, which translates to “A Mighty Fortress is Our God\,” is a choral cantata
composed during the 1700s in honor of Reformation Day\, which is traditio
nally celebrated on Oct. 31. It was first published in 1821\, and comprise
s eight movements.

\n

Handel’s “Messiah” is an English language orato
rio composed in 1741. Structurally resembling operatic form\, this piece i
s not as dramatic. It was written for modest vocal and instrumental inclus
ion. Over the years\, however\, it has been adapted to accommodate larger
choirs and soaring performances depicting Jesus’ life\, the passion and re
surrection.

The Birds of Chicago will fly into Findlay to play their bra
nd of Americana music as part of the Marathon Center for the Performing Ar
ts’ Live @ Armes series at 7:30 p.m. Thursday\, Nov. 30\, at the MCPA’s Ro
y and Marcia Armes Hall.

\n

Led by the husband and wife team of JT Ne
ro and Allison Russell\, Birds of Chicago is touring in support of its new
EP\, “American Flowers\,” released on Friday.

\n

The group recently
finished recording its “sprawling rock and roll circus of an album\,” “Lov
e in Wartime\,” co-produced by Luther Dickinson of the North Mississippi A
llstars\, to be released next April on Signature Sounds\, according to the
band’s website.

\n

However\, Nero wrote six songs that didn’t fit on
to the upcoming album\, and having relocated to Nashville\, the Birds of C
hicago decided to throw themselves their own welcome-to-town party by reco
rding an acoustic EP at Steve Dawson’s Henhouse Studio. New friends like K
enneth Pattengale of the Milk Carton Kids and Maya de Vitry of the Stray B
irds joined the recording\, and the Birds emerged after a couple of days w
ith the raw\, spontaneous\, and warm-sounding “American Flowers.”

\n

The website describes the EP as “‘Love in Wartime”s cousin from the countr
y\,” rounding out Birds of Chicago’s offering of healing\, communion and c
elebration of life through their music.

\n

The band members enjoy sin
ging for new audiences\, touring 200 nights a year since their 2012 format
ion\, when Nero started writing for Russell. Both were accomplished singer
/songwriters with projects of their own — Nero with JT and the Clouds and
Russell with the acclaimed Canadian roots outfit Po’ Girl\, but together t
hey detected an unmistakable chemistry\, according to the website.

\n

Drawing heavily from gospel tradition\, the music displays “stark\, eleme
ntal imagery that feels like Scripture\, or a lost folk song recovered\,”
the website said.

\n

Partial proceeds from “American Flowers” will go
toward Chicago’s South Side-based Teen Living Programs\, a nonprofit that
benefits homeless and at-risk youth.

\n

The Live @ Armes Series is m
eant to create an intimate\, jazz club atmosphere\, featuring general admi
ssion theater-style seating on the main floor or general admission bistro-
style tabletop seating\, with four seats per table. The main floor tickets
cost $25\, the tabletop seats are $35 and they can be ordered by calling
the Marathon Center’s box office at 419-423-2787\, and visiting the box of
fice in person at 200 W. Main Cross St. from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays
.

Tiffin University will present its annual holiday concert fe
aturing selections in a variety of styles\, including large performance en
sembles\, the University Choir\, Concert Band\, TU Gospel Choir\, Pop Choi
r\, Big Band\, and the Dance Team. Each will be joined by small ensembles\
, including the rock fusion band DFX\, a cappella groups Up in the Air and
Higher Ground\, the New Orleans-style band Word On The Street\, the TU So
ngwriting Collective\, the hip-hop group New HhITEs and the 75-voice TU Ki
ds Choir.

Johnny Reed & The Houserockers will transform the venue into
the “Neon Blues Club” when ArtSpace/Lima hosts “A Blues Christmas.” The b
and is known for its songs that blend pop hooks with blues- and rock-influ
enced grooves\, along with extensive jamming at their live shows. The even
t will feature a cash bar\, free hors d’oeuvres\, dancing\, and silent auc
tion items.

\n

Buy tickets at ArtSpace/Lima\, 65 Town Square\, Lima\
, or by visiting www.artspacelima.com.

New Beginnings United Methodist Church in Deshler will host
The Glory Way Quartet at 7 p.m. Dec. 2. There is no cost for the concert a
nd refreshments will be provided. The quartet is a Southern Gospel group w
hich has received acclaim and has performed throughout the area and severa
l times at New Beginnings Church.

The University of Findlay Orchestra will present “The Story
of Winter” at 3 p.m. Sunday\, Dec. 3\, in Winebrenner Theological Seminary
’s TLB Auditorium.

\n

The performance will be free\, but tickets will
be required. They can be obtained at the Marathon Center for the Performi
ng Arts’ box office at 200 W. Main Cross St.\, by calling the box office a
t 419-423-2787\, or by visiting marathoncenterarts.org. Tickets will also
be available at the door the day of the concert.

\n

The performance w
ill include “The Nutcracker” by Tchaikovsky and “Winter” from Vivaldi’s “T
he Four Seasons.”

\n

Conducting UF’s orchestra for the first time wil
l be Soojin Lee\, an award-winning performer and musical instructor from K
orea. She has conducted the Collegiate Wind Ensemble and University Band a
t Ohio State University\, and has been a Columbus Youth Orchestra instruct
or. She earned a Doctor of Musical Arts and Master of Music in viola perfo
rmance from the University of Cincinnati’s College Conservatory of Music.<
/p>\n

Violinist Siryung Park will be the featured soloist. She is an acc
omplished orchestra and chamber musician who has performed throughout the
world. In her youth\, she was a two-time winner of the YMCA Competition\,
and in 2005 she was awarded first prize in the Starling Scholarship Compet
ition. Park is also a sought-after instructor who teaches violin at Cincin
nati Hills Christian Academy. She earned her Doctor of Musical Arts and Ma
ster of Music in Violin Performance at the University of Cincinnati’s Cons
ervatory of Music.

Millstream Singers and The Old Millstream Ringers will prese
nt “Merry Men and Jingling Bells” at First Lutheran Church\, 109 E. Lincol
n St.\, on Sunday\, Dec. 3\, at 7:30 p.m.

\n

Admission to the concert
is free\, and a freewill offering will be taken.

\n

The Millstream S
ingers\, a men’s choral group from Findlay and members of the Great Lakes
Male Chorus Association\, began holding its first rehearsals in a choir ro
om at Findlay College (now the University of Findlay) in 1980\, with music
borrowed from Bowling Green State University.

\n

The chorus has sinc
e acquired an extensive library of choral music and rehearses weekly at Fi
rst Presbyterian Church on Monday evenings. The group performs at various
civic functions\, local events and nursing homes\, and is available upon r
equest to serve Findlay/Hancock County and surrounding areas. They also tr
avel to and host Big Sings of the Great Lakes Male Chorus Association in O
hio\, Michigan and Indiana.

\n

The group’s director is Norman Cassidy
and their accompanist is Susan Kayser.

\n

The Old Millstream Ringers
is a community-based English handbell choir formed in 2000 by director Ma
rtha Avery. Today\, the group is directed by Avery and co-director Gail Ma
lloy\, both retired music educators and\, collectively\, the members have
been ringing handbells for over 300 years.

\n

The group performs a va
riety of music from sacred to secular\, Broadway to Disney. In addition to
public concerts\, the group also participates in handbell festivals spons
ored by the Handbell Musicians of America\, as well as performing for wedd
ings\, seasonal concerts\, banquets and other occasions in Findlay and the
surrounding area.

\n

For more information about the Old Millstream R
ingers or to book a performance\, contact Avery at 419-859-2410 or Malloy
at 419-424-1751.

Riley Creek United Methodist Church invites the community to
its 46th annual Christmas Carol Sing at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 3. Like an old-fas
hioned songfest around the piano\, the program will feature congregational
singing of many traditional carols\, as well as readings from Scripture a
bout Jesus’ birth\, special performances by the Pandora United Methodist C
hurch Choir\, Ottawa Saints Peter and Paul Choir\, other musicians\, and a
candle lighting ceremony. The church is located southeast of Ottawa and n
orthwest of Pandora at the intersection of Putnam County Roads M and 7-L.
The Rev. Duane Kemerley is pastor.

The Bluffton University music department will showcase its e
nsembles during the annual Christmas Festival Forum\, where they will perf
orm compositions to prepare hearts and minds for the Christmas season.

The Arts Partnership will present two holiday performances o
f the the Hancock County Children’s Choir\, featuring a selection of class
ic Christmas and holiday songs.

\n

At 6:30 p.m. Dec. 8\, the choir wi
ll perform at Santa’s Village at St. Andrew’s United Methodist Church\, 12
0 W. Sandusky St. The choir will collect donations of toothbrushes and too
thpaste for Christian Clearing House.

\n

The choir will also perform
at 3:15 p.m. Dec. 10 in the chapel at Birchaven Village\, 15100 Birchaven
Lane.

The Hot Club of San Francisco will swing into Findlay to hea
t up the Christmas season with “Cool Yule” at 7:30 p.m. Friday\, Dec. 8\,
at the Marathon Center for the Performing Arts.

\n

Tickets are $27 an
d available at the Marathon Center’s box office\, 200 W. Main Cross St.\,
at www.marathoncenterarts.org\, or by calling 419-423-2787. Box office hou
rs are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and one hour prior to the p
erformance.

\n

“Cool Yule” is described by the Marathon Center as “a
swinging gypsy wagon trip to the North Pole” featuring many holiday favori
tes and some rarer seasonal standards.

\n

The group is led by Paul Me
hling\, who has been dubbed the godfather of American gypsy jazz.

\n

According to the group’s website\, Mehling was largely inspired by Django
Reinhardt and the Quintet of the Hot Club of France.

\n

Reinhardt\, a
renowned Belgian-born Romani guitarist and bandleader who emerged from Fr
ance and had his career take off in the 1930s\, revolutionized the guitar
with the unique solo style he developed after injuring two of his fingers
in a fire.

\n

Mehling was a fan of rock and roll groups like the Beat
les\, but preferred to play acoustic guitar\, though classical music didn’
t scratch his musical itch\, either.

The 17th annual Voices in Perfection (VIP)/Findlay First Edi
tion (FFE) Spaghetti Dinner and Holiday Show fundraiser is scheduled for S
aturday\, Dec. 9\, at Findlay High School.

\n

VIP and FFE will give t
wo performances in the R.L. Heminger Auditorium\, with a matinee at 4 p.m.
and an evening performance at 7:30 p.m. The spaghetti dinner\, catered by
Olive Garden\, will be served from 5 to 6:30 p.m. in the cafeteria.

\n

Tickets for dinner and one performance are $15 for adults and $12 for s
eniors and students. Performance-only tickets are $9.

\n

Advance tick
ets may be purchased from a VIP or FFE member\, Trends on Main\, or at the
door prior to the performance. A limited number of tickets for the spaghe
tti dinner will be available at the door.

\n

First Edition\, the Find
lay High School award-winning show choir\, will perform four of the group’
s competition numbers: “Back to Then\,” “I Hear a Song\,” “Blow\, Gabriel\
, Blow\,” and “Lost with Time.”

The groups will share the stage with Fusion\, the Donnell Middle S
chool Show Choir\, for the 4 p.m. performance\; and Northern Lights\, the
Glenwood Middle School Show Choir\, for the evening performance.

\n

F
FE and VIP will join together to close the performance on two selections\,
“Sleigh Ride” and “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree.”

\n

For additi
onal information\, contact the FHS Vocal Music Office at 419-425-8282.

The Findlay High School Chamber Orchestra will present its f
irst “Season of Joy” concert at 3 p.m. Sunday\, Dec. 10\, at St. Michael C
atholic Church\, 750 Bright Road.

\n

The concert is free and open to
the public\, and the Chamber Orchestra hopes to make this an annual tradit
ion\, showing up at a different church each year.

\n

The FHS Chamber
Orchestra comprises the top 20 string players in the FHS Symphony Orchestr
a\, as determined by auditions. The group rehearses after school once a we
ek and performs several concerts throughout the year.

\n

The “Season
of Joy” concert features sophisticated arrangements of several holiday cla
ssics. Several musical guests will join the Chamber Orchestra for the conc
ert\, including professional flutist Desra Dabney and Ben Koval\, music di
rector at St. Michael’s Church.

\n

Additionally\, 13 eighth-grade orc
hestra students from Glenwood and Donnell middle schools received a specia
l invitation to perform three pieces with the Chamber Orchestra during the
concert.

\n

Another featured soloist will be Sophie Wohl\, FHS senio
r and concertmaster of the FHS Symphony Orchestra and FHS Chamber Orchestr
a. The FHS Chamber Orchestra is conducted by Ken Pressel.

\n

For more
information\, email Pressel at kpressel@fcs.org or call or text 419-429-2
300.

The University of Findlay Symphonic Band and Wind Ensemble w
ill combine forces for their annual Christmas concert on Sunday\, Dec. 10\
, at 3 p.m. in the Marathon Center for the Performing Arts.

\n

“Wassa
il! An Olde English Christmas” is the theme for this year’s program.

\n

The concert will be free and open to the public. No tickets are require
d.

\n

Under the direction of Jack Taylor\, professor of music\, the b
ands will perform a variety of well-known holiday songs from the British I
sles including “I Saw Three Ships\,” “Westminster Carol (Angels We Have He
ard on High)\,” and others.

\n

The featured soloist for the concert w
ill be Alison Morey\, a senior pre-veterinary medicine major from Marietta
.

\n

Morey\, the winner of UF’s 2017-2018 Concerto Competition\, will
perform “Xylophonia” by Joseph Green on xylophone.

\n

Marie Louden-H
anes\, Ph.D.\, professor of art history\, will narrate the program. Harp i
nterludes will be provided by Elise Krueger\, a student in the University’
s Doctor of Physical Therapy Program.

\n

For more information\, conta
ct Taylor at jtaylor@findlay.edu or call 419-434-4573.

The Arts Partnership will present two holiday performances o
f the the Hancock County Children’s Choir\, featuring a selection of class
ic Christmas and holiday songs.

\n

At 6:30 p.m. Dec. 8\, the choir wi
ll perform at Santa’s Village at St. Andrew’s United Methodist Church\, 12
0 W. Sandusky St. The choir will collect donations of toothbrushes and too
thpaste for Christian Clearing House.

\n

The choir will also perform
at 3:15 p.m. Dec. 10 in the chapel at Birchaven Village\, 15100 Birchaven
Lane.

The Findlay High School Music Department will host a Christm
as choral concert at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday in R. L. Heminger Auditorium.

\n

Featured in the concert will be the Findlay High School freshman\, co
ncert and symphonic choirs\, with a special performance by the chamber orc
hestra. The choirs will sing traditional holiday favorites\, and will ask
the audience to join them in the singing of “Silent Night” to close the co
ncert.

\n

The concert is free and open to the public\, with doors to
the auditorium opening at 6:45.

The Lima Symphony Orchestra will present “Music of the Mad M
en Era\,” featuring American vocal quintet Five by Design. The show will c
apture the sounds\, styles and icons of the 1960s with songs like “What is
This Thing Called Love?” “All of Me\,” “Mack the Knife\,” “Night and Day\
,” “Fever\,” and a new medley of the decade’s vintage TV themes and commer
cials. Tickets may be purchased at Lima Symphony’s office\, 133 N. Elizabe
th St.\, Lima\, over the phone or online.

Findlay’s own Hurricane Jayne and the Houserockers will rock
in the new year with their blend of 1950s and 1960s rock\, rockabilly\, c
lassic country and swing. Guests will receive complimentary hors d’oeuvres
and a champagne toast at midnight.

Findlay First Edition and Pantasia will share their talents
in “A Celebration of Music and Arts\,” a dynamic show filled with singing\
, dancing and the sounds of the islands\, at 7:30 this evening at the Mara
thon Center for the Performing Arts.

\n

Also performing will be the B
owling Green State University Men’s Chorus and Findlay High School alumni
Tim Krueger and Steven Wagner.

\n

Tickets range from $18 to $23 and c
an be purchased at MCPA from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and an hour prior to the sh
ow.

Tickets are $28 for adults\, $23 f
or senior citizens and $11 for students. UF faculty\, staff and students w
ill be admitted free with a valid university ID. Tickets may be purchased
at the box office of the Marathon Center for the Performing Arts\, 200 W.
Main St.\; by calling 419-423-2787\; or online at marathoncenterarts.org.<
/p>\n

As a teenager from Orlando\, Florida\, York got her first big brea
k in the seductive and playful role of Mallory in the original Tony Award-
winning production of “City of Angels” in 1989.

\n

She won a Drama De
sk Award for Outstanding Featured Actress for her “Victor/Victoria” role a
s Norma Cassidy\, opposite Julie Andrews. Other performances include “The
Scarlet Pimpernel\,” “Sly Fox” with Richard Dreyfuss\, and “Dirty Rotten S
coundrels” with Jonathan Pryce. She also played Lucille Ball in the 2003 C
BS movie\, “Lucy.”

\n

Most recently\, she starred on Broadway as Jack
ie Noelle in “Disaster! The Musical.”\nOff Broadway\, York earned re
cognition and a Drama Desk Award nomination opposite Julie Andrews in Step
hen Sondheim’s “Putting It Together\,” and gained additional fame while st
arring as Reno Sweeney in the Tony Award-winning revival of “Anything Goes
” through a U.S. tour.

\n

In concert\, York has appeared as a soloist
worldwide. Some of her performances have been in concert with The New Yor
k Pops at Carnegie Hall\; the National Symphony\; the Pittsburgh Pops\; “B
roadway Showstoppers” with Peter Nero and Philly Pops\; and “The Sound of
Music” at the Hollywood Bowl with the Los Angeles Philharmonic.

\n

Ra
chel’s debut solo album\, “Let’s Fall in Love\,” was named one of the Top
10 Vocal CDs of the year by Talkin’ Broadway. She can also be heard on the
soundtracks of film and Broadway musical recordings.

\n

For more inf
ormation about Rachel York\, visit www.rachelyork.net.

\n

Reno is the
musical director and vocal arranger for the smash hit “Something Rotten!\
,” a Tony Award-nominated musical comedy that opened on Broadway in 2015.
Reno received two Grammy nominations for his work on the “Something Rotten
!” cast recording.

\n

His other work includes “The Producers” (2001-2
007)\, the Broadway revival of “Promises\, Promises” (2010)\, “The Drowsy
Chaperone\,” “Thou Shalt Not\,” “Cats” and “Dame Edna: The Royal Tour.” He
has also contributed orchestrations for the television show\, “Broadway U
nder the Stars” (CBS\, 2002-2006) and the film adaptation of “The Producer
s” (2005).

Transport for Christ will present a “Second Chance Chapels”
banquet and concert Feb. 23 in the Marbeck Center on the campus of Bluffto
n University. Musical guests are The Bridges. The free event\, including a
meal\, begins at 5:55 p.m. Seating is limited to 400\, and RSVP is requir
ed by Feb. 19 by calling Chaplain David Lugibihl at 419-230-3294 or Nancy
Spallinger at 419-296-0360.

From “America’s Got Talent\,” last year’s Super Bowl and the
stages of Vegas\, Recycled Percussion will drum up some energy at the Mar
athon Center for the Performing Arts at 3 p.m. Sunday\, Jan. 28.

\n

J
ustin Spencer formed Recycled Percussion in 1995\, taking inspiration from
New York street percussion. Looking for a way to be as creative as possib
le\, Spencer took the idea of playing recycled objects\, blended in differ
ent instruments and created his own spin\, developing a style of “junk roc
k” music.

\n

Recycled Percussion placed third on the fourth season of
NBC’s “America’s Got Talent” in 2009 and went on to perform more than 4\,
500 shows in 15 countries. They have made appearances on Carson Daly\, “Th
e Today Show\,” “China’s Got Talent\,” the Latin Grammy Awards\, and perfo
rmed a pregame show before Super Bowl LI in Houston. They have also headli
ned their own show in Las Vegas since 2010.

Part rock concert and part intera
ctive experience\, the four members of Recycled Percussion use buckets\, p
ower tools and anything else they can get their drumsticks on.

\n

The
group members include Spencer (whose stage name is Mr. Red)\, Ryan Vezina
(Mr. Blue)\, Matt Bowman (Mr. Black)\, and Jason Davies (Mr. Green)\, acc
ording to the Record.

\n

Tickets start at $25 for adults and $20 for
kids 17 and under. They can be purchased at the Marathon Center’s box offi
ce\, 200 W. Main Cross St.\, by phone at 419-423-2787 or online at www.mar
athoncenterarts.org.

\n

For more information\, call 419-423-2787 or v
isit www.recycledpercussionband.com.

George Clinton and Parliament-Funkadelic will bring their bl
end of New Orleans blues\, jazz\, rock\, pop and gospel to Lima. Recording
both as Parliament and Funkadelic\, George Clinton revolutionized R&B dur
ing the ’70s\, twisting soul music into funk by adding influences from sev
eral late-’60s psychedelic rockers. His influence continues today\, winnin
g his first Grammy for his work on Kendrick Lamar’s “To Pimp a Butterfly.”

Bluegrass musician and composer Jeff Parker\, along with a f
ew of his band members\, will kick off the University of Findlay’s spring
Music Bach’s Concert Series on Friday\, Feb. 2\, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
in the Alumni Memorial Union’s atrium.

\n

The concert is free and op
en to the public.

\n

Parker learned to play guitar from his father\,
Vester\, when he was 6 years old.

\n

After tackling the guitar\, he m
oved on to other instruments. At age 12\, he was inspired by Harold Russel
l of the Russell Brothers and Doyle Lawson to play mandolin.

\n

Soon
after\, Parker joined his dad and other family members\, playing at area c
hurches and radio stations. They became known as the Sounds of Gospel.

\n

For 10 years\, Parker served as a member of the staff band at Renfro
Valley Entertainment Center\, Mount Vernon\, Kentucky\, as a utility/lead
and harmony vocals musician. During his tenure there he received numerous
awards for his musicianship.

\n

In 2001\, he toured with the award-wi
nning Lonesome River Band\, serving as their lead/tenor vocal and mandolin
player for five years\, releasing three records\, touring across the coun
try and performing at the Grand Ole Opry\, Nashville.

\n

For the past
decade\, Parker has been touring with Grammy nominees and Grand Ole Opry
members Dailey & Vincent\, who performed at the Marathon Center for the Pe
rforming Arts in 2016. During this time\, the group released six records\,
“Dailey & Vincent Show” DVDs and instructional vocal DVDs. He can also be
seen on “The Dailey & Vincent Show” that airs on RFDTV\, along with Bill
Gaither gospel shows\, Country Music Hall of Fame shows\, Country Music Fa
n Fest\, and more.

\n

When not touring nationally and internationally
with Dailey & Vincent\, Parker writes and performs his own music\, co-pro
ducing four of his solo records\, including a Christmas album.\nFor
more information on Parker\, visit www.jeffparker.com.

\n

The Music B
ach’s Concert Series is sponsored and hosted by the university’s Student A
ctivities Board. For additional information\, call 419-434-4606.

Yamato: The Drummers of Japan will put a brand-new spin on a
centuries-old tradition when they bring “Chousensha — The Challengers” to
the Marathon Center for the Performing Arts on Monday\, Feb. 5\, at 7:30
p.m.

\n

Tickets start at $25 and can be purchased at the Marathon Cen
ter box office\, 200 W. Main Cross\; by phone at 419-423-2787\; or online
at www.marathoncenterarts.org.

\n

Founded in Japan’s Nara Prefecture
in 1993 by Masa Ogawa and three other members\, the group debuted at a Shi
nto shrine festival with their original composition\, “Hyu-ga (The sunrise
).” The group expanded to 20 members (with Ogawa serving as artistic direc
tor) and has brought the style of taiko (Japanese for “drums”) to 54 count
ries through 3\,500 performances and counting\, using Japan’s traditional
wadaiko drums.

\n

Their latest program\, “The Challengers\,” draws it
s name from the members’ willingness to push their bodies and spirits to t
heir absolute limit\, while having fun in the process.

\n

The perform
ance begins with the boom of a taiko drum made from a large 400-year-old t
ree\, with the group members moving their entire bodies to strike the drum
s\, the drummers’ press release states.

\n

These drums include the be
er-barrel shaped miya-daiko\; the hira-daiko\, with a diameter that’s tall
er than most people\; the portable okedo-daiko\, often used in Japanese th
eater\; and the bronze chappa cymbal\, often used in religious services.
p>\n

To accompany the drums\, the group utilizes the shamisen\, a long-n
ecked three-stringed instrument often played for traditional dance and fol
k\; the koto\, a stringed instrument built from hollowed-out\, 40-year-old
Paulownia trees\; and the shinobue\, a flute made from shino-bamboo.

\n

The performers’ dedication to their craft doesn’t stop on the stage\,
either.

\n

Beginning their days with a six-mile run\, the group’s me
mbers live together in a community and create everything themselves\, incl
uding the musical compositions\, lighting design\, choreography\, performa
nce techniques\, makeup\, stage settings and props such as the bachi (stic
ks) used in performances\, according to the press release.

Findlay City Schools’ annual All-City Orchestra Festival\, s
cheduled for 7:30 p.m. Thursday\, Feb. 8\, will showcase string players in
grades six through 12 from Glenwood and Donnell middle schools along with
Findlay High School. The concert will be held in the gymnasium of Findlay
High School and is free and open to the public.

\n

The Sixth-Grade B
eginning Orchestra\, directed by David Brax\, will perform two selections:
“String Explosion” and “Bloosy Woosy.” These 53 beginning string students
started playing their instruments back in August.

\n

The Seventh-Gra
de Orchestra\, also directed by Brax\, will perform “The Russian Music Box
” and “Mama Don’t ‘Low.”

The concert will conclude with the Findlay High Sch
ool Symphony Orchestra performing “Chant and Joyous Dance” and “What’s Up
at the Symphony.” Pressel directs the Findlay High School Symphony Orchest
ra\, and Brax serves as assistant director.

Avital Handler is the principal tuba player of the Israel Sy
mphony Orchestra\, the Israel Opera’s resident orchestra. She serves on th
e faculty of Jerusalem’s Academy of Music and Dance\, the Levinsky College
of Education and the Israel Conservatory of Music.

Findlay’s own Reunion Band will bring its style of ’60s and
’70s rock and roll to the Elks Beach Bash concert that will benefit many F
indlay-based charities. The event includes several raffles\, with attendee
s encouraged to wear flip-flops and Hawaiian shirts.

The University of Findlay Symphonic Band and Wind Ensemble w
ill present their annual Pops Concert at 3 p.m. Sunday\, Feb. 11\, in the
TLB Auditorium of Winebrenner Theological Seminary.

\n

Under the dire
ction of Jack Taylor\, professor of music\, the band will be partnering wi
th Hiroaki Kawamura\, chair of the UF Department of Language and Culture.<
/p>\n

This performance will be part of the community-wide Japan Week in
Findlay\, along with a wide variety of cultural activities in Hancock Coun
ty. The music at this concert will mix popular music from the United State
s and Japan.

\n

Colleen Abrams\, instructor of clarinet and saxophone
at UF\, will be the featured soloist\, performing on the soprano saxophon
e and bass clarinet. Another featured guest is Michie Joyama\, who will pe
rform in two selections of traditional Japanese dance\, wearing a kimono d
ress to go with the Japanese culture theme.

\n

The musical production
will also feature other surprises for the audience\, and senior members o
f the band will be honoring selected UF faculty and staff members during t
he concert’s intermission.

\n

The February Pops Concert is free and o
pen to the public but tickets are still required. To reserve a ticket\, co
ntact the Marathon Center for the Performing Arts at www.marathoncenterart
s.org or call 419-432-2787.

This “Thursdays at Yoder” event will feature live music by B
luffton University’s faculty and students\; hors d’oeuvres and desserts pr
epared by the Bluffton University Nutrition Association\; and complimentar
y child care.Two seating options\, 6 and 8 p.m. Seating is limited.

The Bluffton University Concert Band will host an instrument
al concert featuring original and arranged compositions\, including Brian
Sadler’s “Action Brass”\; Gordon Jacob’s wind-band composition\, “An Origi
nal Suite”\; and Brant Karrick’s “They Shall Run and Be Free\,” inspired b
y his visit to the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center in Cincinn
ati.

The Ohio Northern Symphony will present a concert\, “Black H
istory and Brahms\,” at 7 p.m. on Sunday\, Feb. 25 in the Freed Center.

\n

Tickets are $20 for general admission\, $15 for ONU faculty and staf
f\, $10 for seniors\, and $5 for students. The Freed Center box office is
open Monday through Friday from noon to 5 p.m.\, and Saturday from 10 a.m.
to 2 p.m. Phone orders are accepted with American Express\, MasterCard\,
VISA or Discover by calling 419-772-1900. Tickets also are available onlin
e at ticketing.onu.edu.

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The concert will be conducted by music dir
ector Travis Jürgens. In support of Black History Month\, the symphony wil
l present William Grant Still’s “Symphony No. 1 (Afro-American Symphony)\,
” which incorporates blues and African-American styles while melding jazz
and traditional orchestral techniques.

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Also on the program is “The
Passion of John Brown” by guest composer Jesse Ayers. Ayers was the winne
r of the inaugural American Prize for Orchestral Composition in 2011\, and
he was named an “Honored Artist” of the American Prize in 2014. Since 199
7\, Ayers has served on the music faculty of Malone University. The compos
er will attend the concert.

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The program also features guest violin
ist Stanislav Pronin on Brahms’ “Violin Concerto.” Pronin was born in Mosc
ow and began his violin studies upon his immigration to Israel at the age
of 8. Stanislav’s professional career began following his solo debut in Is
rael at the age of 10.

The Humane Society of Seneca County is mixing it up this yea
r with their annual bash.

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The non-profit organization is featuring
Your Generation in Concert\, a live multimedia performance celebrating 5
decades of pop\, rock\, dance\, and R&B hits\, according to a press releas
e.

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The band\, which aims to take the audience on a musical tour th
rough their lives\, according to their press release\, will take the stage
from 7-11 p.m. Saturday at Meadowbrook Park Ballroom\, 5430 W. Tiffin St\
, Bascom. The doors open at 6 p.m.

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The event will also feature a 5
0/50 raffle of gift baskets and Humane Society of Seneca County merchandis
e will be available for sale\, including restocked popular “Don’t Shop\, A
dopt” t-shirts\, said Gonzales-Campos.

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Photos of the society’s fur
ry residents will be on display at the bash as well so attendees can view
the animals who are available for adoption.

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Proceeds from the bash
will go toward additional improvements to the facility\, like updating th
e play area for the animals and obtaining a storage shed for the humane so
ciety.

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Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 on the day of the show.
They are available for purchase at: the Animal Care Center\, 1790 W. Count
y Road 54\, Tiffin\; the Humane Society of Seneca County\, 2811 S. Ohio 10
0\, Tiffin\; and Westgate Barbers\, Westgate Village Shopping Center\, 690
W. Market St.\, Tiffin\; or e-mail hssc2811@sbcglobal.net.

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Guests
must be 21 or older. Free local cab service will be available.

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At
tendees are also invited to bring their own snacks and beverages to enjoy
during the bash.

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The Humane Society of Seneca County was founded o
n July 1\, 1892\, according to its Facebook page. It is located on South O
hio 100 in Tiffin\, where it had been located since 2005.

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The huma
ne society takes in surrendered animals.

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For more information\, ca
ll the Humane Society of Seneca County at 419-447-5704 or visit http://hum
anesocietysenecacounty.org or the Humane Society of Seneca County Facebook
page.

From a childhood contestant on TV’s “Star Search” to playing hi
gh-flying tenor Frankie Valli in “Jersey Boys” for six years and songwrite
r Barry Mann in “Beautiful: The Carole King Musical” (for which he receive
d Tony and other Critics Circle award nominations)\, Spector heads back to
the stage with an autobiographical set of pop and Broadway favorites. “Ju
kebox Life” follows his journey from Philadelphia to Los Angeles and New Y
ork through auditions\, getting the role\, and\, best of all\, getting the
girl.

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Stephen Holden of the New York Times calls the show “a witt
y\, energetic mini-jukebox musical whose format suggests a 21st-century an
swer to (Billy) Joel’s 1983 tribute album\, ‘An Innocent Man’ … deeper and
more visceral… a jolt of passion.”

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Tickets start at $30 and can b
e purchased at 200 W. Main Cross St.\, by phone at 419-423-2787 or online
at marathoncenterarts.org.

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For more information\, call 419-423-278
7 or visit http://marathoncenterarts.org/event/jarrod-spector/.

The Fostoria Community Band will present a free spring conce
rt at 2:30 p.m. Sunday at the Fostoria Intermediate Elementary School.

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The theme is “Across the Pond — Music from the British Isles to the A
merican Shores” and will include traditional marches\, folk songs\, movie
music and Dixieland. The band is directed by Craig McKenzie.

The Findlay area members of the Ohio Music Teachers Associat
ion will present the 41st annual music festival between 8:30 a.m. and 3 p.
m. March 17 at Trinity Lutheran Church\, 935 W. Bigelow Ave.\, where more
than 110 piano students are scheduled to perform.

The festival was established locally in 1978. Students rec
eive verbal and written comments on the overall musical effect\, presentat
ion and technical aspect of memorized material. Each student performing re
ceives a comment sheet\, a certificate and a colored ribbon indicating yea
rs of participation in the festival.

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Honored this year will be 10-
year participants: Liberty Lerma and Mattea Lutz\, students of Alsbrooks S
mith Jr.\; and Carl Rupp\, student of Joan Benedict.

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An 11-year pa
rticipant will be Emily Cairns\, student of Eleanor McCoy. Cairns will als
o be honored as a senior.

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There will be nine recitals throughout t
he day\, all of them open to the public.

“Jazz — Where You Least Expect It!” will be the theme for th
is spring’s University of Findlay Jazz Ensemble concert.

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Scheduled
for Sunday\, March 18 at 3 p.m. in Winebrenner Theological Seminary’s TLB
Auditorium\, the event will be free and open to the public\, but tickets
will be required through the Marathon Center for the Performing Arts’ box
office at www.marathoncenterarts.org or by calling 419-423-2787.

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T
he concert will be directed by Jack Taylor\, professor of music\, and will
feature a variety of modern and traditional arrangements for big band. Fa
miliar songs will be transformed into jazz arrangements including themes f
rom “Take Me Out to the Ballgame\,” “Little Liza Jane\,” “I Love Lucy” and
more.

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These selections will be mixed with more traditional select
ions from Duke Ellington\, Woody Herman and other big bands.

The Ohio Northern University Symphonic Band\, the “Northern
Winds\,” will present a concert at 7:30 p.m. on Monday\, March 19 in the F
reed Center. Ticket information may be obtained by calling the Freed Cente
r box office at 419-772-1900 between noon and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday
.

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The multicultural program\, titled “Around The World With The Wi
nds\,” will feature music from the United States\, England\, Africa\, Aust
ralia\, China\, Korea\, Mexico and the Middle East.